NFL

Top 10 returning players at App State are led by CB Steven Jones and EDGE Nick Hampton

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2 years ago

August 5, 2022

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The App State Mountaineers return a bevy of talent on the offensive side of the ball in 2022. With Chase Brice returning, as well as their top three running backs from a year ago and four of five starting offensive linemen, it’s safe to say this offense may lose very little in terms of firepower. Yet, their top returning players happen to fall on the defensive side of the ball as the school record holder for sacks in a season and one of college football‘s top cornerbacks headline the group.

For every conference’s top returning players: AAC | ACC | B1G | Big 12 | Conference USA | Independents | MAC | Mountain West | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

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Top 10 returning players at App State

The countdown to the regular season continues here during Pro Football Network’s Top 10 Returning Players series. We’ve crossed the country to the Sun Belt and are firmly entrenching ourselves across the southeastern portion of the country with our look into each FBS team. Looking only at players returning to their same team from a season ago — we’ll deal with transfers later –, we’re counting down all the top 10 players returning to action on every team. Here are the top returners from App State.

10) Daetrich Harrington, RB

With 12 career rushing touchdowns and over 1,000 yards on the ground, Daetrich Harrington returns to the field yet again for the Mountaineers. He’ll add a terrific complementary piece to the two-headed monster outlined below. Harrington is a great downhill threat who has averaged well over 5.0 yards per carry in his career.

9) Anderson Hardy and Cooper Hodges, OT

The duo of Anderson Hardy and Cooper Hodges return to give the Mountaineers one of the better bookend tandems in the Group of Five. Hardy and Hodges combine to keep their quarterback clean more often than not and add plenty of value in the run game. Hardy is a mauler from the left while Hodges locks down the right. They’re just part of the dynamic returning four starters on the offensive line.

8) Damion Daley, G

Also returning to the starting offensive line lineup from a year ago is Damion Daley. A powerful left guard, Daley is at his best when he’s paving the way for the rushing attack. No slouch in pass protection either, Daley can do it all and anchors the App State offensive line that should be one of the more experienced units in the country.

7) Isaiah Helms, G

Finding his groove a year ago, Isaiah Helms was dominant from the right guard spot. Keeping clean pockets was the name of the game for him, but he was perhaps even better when he got moving in the run game. Coming across the formation brilliantly, Helms is a master of his craft with strength and nifty footwork.

6) Nate Noel, RB

Rushing for 1,126 yards a season ago, Nate Noel pairs as a great complement in the backfield for App State. Noel averaged 5.66 yards per carry as he showcased an ability to make tacklers miss in a phone booth. App State’s heavy zone rushing attack allows Noel to get the ball with room to work, and he uses his terrific footwork to navigate the traffic for all yardage available.

5) Camerun Peoples, RB

App State’s rushing touchdown leader from a season ago, Camerun Peoples is back once again to pair with Noel as one of the top running back duos in the country. Peoples averaged 5.58 yards per carry, ripping off multiple big gains at times with his ability to make defenders miss both in the open field and in tight spaces. If he’s not making defenders miss with his elusiveness, Peoples is no stranger to bowling defenders over for an extra few yards.

4) Chase Brice, QB

The single-season leader in passing yards at App State is back for one more season as Chase Brice will lead the Mountaineers’ offense once again. Brice threw for 3,337 yards a year ago, his first with the program. He’s shown that he can hit every level of the field and understands coverages better than most at the Group of Five level. Brice, a former Clemson and Duke quarterback, found a new home in Boone and has flourished with his ability to distribute the ball through his progressions very well.

3) Trey Cobb, LB

One of the better three-down linebackers in the country, Trey Cobb has started 26 straight games for the Mountaineers (34 in his career). He’s an incredibly reliable linebacker in the middle of the field for App State, as he does everything at a near-elite level. He’ll run the alley with force, wrapping up every ball carrier with terrific technique.

Cobb also patrols the middle of the field in underneath coverage extremely well. His ability to stymie opposing passing attacks in coverage is his bread and butter. He also knows what to do with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his 100-yard pick-six against South Alabama in 2021.

2) Nick Hampton, EDGE

Crashing the edge with a vengeance, Nick Hampton led the way for App State last year with 11 sacks, setting a new school record. He’s back to display more of his rare blend of power and speed from his off-ball position. Hampton was one of just five players across the nation last season to register at least 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and over 65 total tackles. His ability to push the pocket is second only to his ability to finish, as he has 19.5 career sacks in just three seasons.

1) Steven Jones Jr., CB

Finishing the season tied for fourth nationally with five interceptions, Steven Jones Jr. enters the 2022 season as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Jones returned three of them for touchdowns and registered a team-high eight pass breakups. It’s safe to say that Jones knows a thing or two about sticky coverage as well as he does sticking his nose into run defense. He’s a stalwart defensive back with great athleticism and better range who rarely, if ever, gets beaten.

Honorable mention players returning to App State in 2022

Ronald Clarke, S
Christian Wells, WR
Jordon Earle, DT
Brendan Harrington, LB
Jalen McLeod, EDGE
Nick Ross, CB

Cam Mellor is the Senior Director of the College Football/NFL Draft vertical for Pro Football Network. You can find his writing here and follow him on Twitter: @CamMellor.

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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.